Support Groups

One of the biggest needs that the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation seeks to meet for the brain tumor community in San Diego is the need for a support system to help patients and their families navigate the world of living with a brain tumor. Because we know that a brain tumor diagnosis can feel isolating, our foundation wants to connect patients to each other for emotional support.

Currently, we offer two monthly groups that give patients, their caregivers, friends and family the ability to share their hardships and triumphs throughout their medical journey. During each group session, members are given the opportunity to share what they have recently experienced in their brain tumor journey, ask questions of other members regarding diagnoses, treatment, doctors and the like. Along with the emotional benefits that support groups can have on patients, scientists have linked group support to a greater tolerance of cancer treatment and a reduction in tension, fatigue anxiety and confusion. Throughout the years, many of the patients and caregivers the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation has come into contact with have voiced their deep appreciation to the foundation for making these groups available.

Please note that the group is free of charge and no reservation is required.

Below are the times and meeting locations for both groups:

First Tuesday of every month (6:30pm – 8:30 pm):

There are no Support Group meetings in December. In place of Support Group, we do a Holiday Dinner for the group members. Thank you for your understanding.

The meeting is open to patients, family members and caregivers. We look forward to seeing you there and walking with you on your brain tumor journey!

I just wanted to commend you and your team on a great event. Each year our company does a walk in support of a worthwhile cause. So we have had a lot of experience in various walks over the years. This was one of the most enjoyable we have done!

– La Donna D.

My husband, Dave, and I received services from the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation that significantly helped both of us over the course of his terminal illness. Through their monthly support group, we found resources and referrals that were current and relevant. I also made profound friendships that continue to this day.

– Marion P.

The SDBTF gave me hope, when I thought there was none.

– Mary G

The San Diego Brian Tumor Foundation has always been the “light in the storm”. The emotional support, friendships, and love that we have received have been a true blessing. My husband, Gary, has passed away, but I will be forever grateful to the people connected with the foundation. Gary always referred to them as “his people” and I do as well. Thank you for your continued love and support.

– Tracey G.

My health insurance didn’t pay for everything, including expensive chemotherapy medications and physician visits. The San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation helped us many times by paying for not only those medications, but our house payments and HOA fees. The friends we’ve met through the two monthly support groups have been an immense resource for information as well as for much needed hugs and empathy. The unfortunate journey we share is binding. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without SDBTF.

– Deb A.

The San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation has been a wonderful resource of support for our family during my husband’s battle with brain cancer, as well as, after he passed. I can’t imagine going through this journey without them by my side.

– Andrea P.

SDBTF is truly a guiding light to those of us who suffer when brain cancer comes unexpectedly knocking. I lost my wonderful career and my savings as I had to have surgery and long months of treatment. SDBTF stepped in to help me keep a roof over my head and get a new bed to lay my head on at night. Both generous gifts have allowed me to live with a little dignity in the face of this battle for my life. With a humble and grateful heart, I thank each of the donors for their contributions to help as each who contributes is essentially saving a life by allowing a good human being to continue to fight a little harder!

– Jonathan W.

My name is Kristy and I am the mother of 4 boys. In July 2010, my son was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After surgery, he was left unable to walk, speak or eat. My husband had to quit his job in order to take care of him full time. The San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation assisted us in our house payments, meals and presents for the children during his treatment. The SDBTF continues to support his on-going out of pocket expenses for all of his follow up treatments (PT, OT, speech, endocrinology, and ophthalmology). We are so extremely grateful for all of their support. It really makes life easier when you can focus on taking care of a sick child and not having to worry about how the bills will get paid! Thank you for the bottom of my heart!!!

– Kristy F.

As a 16 year survivor of brain cancer, I am so thankful for the support of the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation. During the early years of my survivorship, I leaned heavily on the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to battle this disease without their support.

– Charlie R.

Coming to SDBTF meetings while my husband was battling brain cancer gave me much-needed practical support. This came in the form of affirmation that I was not the only caretaker who found few neuro-oncologists in San Diego, that it was okay to feel overwhelmed with insurance and Social Security questions, and that my husband’s extreme fatigue from treatment was a common experience. From this practical support, I derived much-needed emotional support (even though I didn’t want to admit it). Taking my place in the circle of chairs each month helped me stabilize my emotions.

– Rose S.

SDBTF came along side us and helped us get through a time in our life where the light at the end of the tunnel was dim and hard to see. Our focus was solely on our 2 year old son’s recovery and when we felt stretched beyond our ability, they provided financial support that helped us bridge the gap. Without their support I don’t know how we would have survived, we are so thankful for the great work they do.

Need Help?

If you are a patient, a caregiver, or a friend and are interested in the services our foundation provides, please call (619) 515-9908 or email us at info@sdbtf.org and we would be happy to assist you. You can also write us on our contact page.

Ready To Donate?

If you are interested in donating to the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation (SDBTF) you can DONATE via PayPal or you can send a check to 852 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. All funds go directly back to patient services.

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